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In Ghana, those attempting to conceal their assets from their spouses during divorce proceedings to avoid sharing them may fail under Ghanaian law. A recent example involving Achraf Hakimi, a footballer for the French soccer team PSG, has garnered attention on social media. Hakimi allegedly transferred his wealth into his mother’s name, leaving his wife with nothing when she demanded more than half his fortune. However, such tactics may not work in Ghana.
Legal practitioner and partner at Morrison, Twumasi, and Partners, Rendorf Twumasi Ankrah, explained that under Ghanaian law, property acquired during a marriage is presumed to be jointly acquired. Therefore, any action concerning such property must receive explicit consent from the other spouse. Regardless of who owns the property, it may be considered joint property and subject to equitable distribution in case of a divorce.
The concept of “joint efforts” in acquiring property is not limited to monetary contributions but also includes unpaid care work such as cleaning, washing, cooking, and even traveling with a successful footballer, as explained by a legal practitioner and partner at Beyuo and Co., Iris Aggrey-Orleans. Article 22 of the 1992 constitution in Ghana stipulates that this law is gender-neutral and applies to both spouses.
To protect one’s right to own property acquired during a marriage, Aggrey-Orleans advises honesty with one’s spouse and clearly states intentions to own property alone. Alternatively, signing a prenuptial agreement can provide added protection.
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Source:Omanghana.com
